Height-adjustable pipe pick-up and laydown machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a pipe-handling machine ( 100 ) for picking up and laying down pipe, such as at a rig site. The machine first comprises three elongated and nested truss members. First, a trestle ( 200 ) is provided; second, a trough carrier ( 300 ) is received within the trestle; and third, a trough ( 400 ) is slidably received within the trough carrier. The machine next comprises an inclined ramp ( 500 ). A lower end of the ramp is pivotally connected to the trestle, while an upper end of the ramp extends upward to the rig floor. The length of the ramp is adjustable to accommodate rig floors of varying heights. A trestle transport mechanism ( 550 ) selectively moves a front end of the trestle upwards along the ramp, thereby delivering a joint of pipe to the rig floor. The trough may optionally be moved along the trough carrier and out over the rig floor to aid in delivery. Features ( 310 ) may optionally be incorporated to reduce the angle of approach of the joint of pipe relative to the rig floor after the trestle transport mechanism is actuated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This new application for letters patent claims priority from anearlier-filed United States provisional patent application entitled“Height Adjustable Pipe Pick-Up and Laydown Machine.” That applicationwas filed on May 3, 2002 and was assigned Application No. 60/377,431.The provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pipe handling systems for handling atubular pipe. More particularly, the present invention relates to pipepick-up and lay-down systems for use in drilling operations.

2. Background of the Related Art

In the drilling of oil and gas wells, it is known to employ varioustypes of tubular pipe. Such pipes include drill pipe, drill collars,production tubing, well casing, and riser pipe. Such pipe is deliveredto the drilling rig, and laid in individual joints horizontally upon apipe rack. In the case of land wells, the pipe is typically delivered bya flat-bed truck. For offshore drilling, the pipe is delivered by bargeor on a large floating vessel.

In order to use the pipe on the drilling rig, it is necessary totransport the pipe from the pipe rack to the rig floor. However, pickingup and laying down drill pipe, casing and other tubular goods presentscertain hazards to personnel on the rig floor. In addition, the manualhandling of pipe, even with the assistance of wirelines, creates a riskthat the pipe threads may be damaged. These concerns are magnified bythe ever-increasing height of rig floors necessitated by the drilling ofdeeper wells.

Various patents have issued which provide pipe pick-up and laydownsystems. These systems typically involve the use of wirelines or cablesto transport pipe from a pipe rack or truck bed to the rig floor. Suchpatents include:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,450 issued to George on Jan. 1, 1985;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,310 issued to Crocker on Oct. 18, 1977;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,099,630 issued to Beck on Jul. 11, 1978; and

U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,193 issued to Teague on Apr. 4, 1978.

These patents disclose systems that, while commonly used, require manualmanipulation of pipes.

Other patents have attempted to reduce the involvement of rig hands inthe handling of pipe by providing a trough for lifting pipe from thepipe rack to the rig floor. Such patents include:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,566 issued to Beaman, et al. on Nov. 25, 1980;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,310 issued to Thompson on Sep. 13, 1983; and

U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,498 issued to Dysarz on Nov. 12, 1985.

However, these systems are not readily adaptable to rigs of varyingheights. In this respect, higher rig floors create steeper angles ofapproach from the catwalk or pipe handling area to the rig floor. If theangle of approach is too steep, the upper end of the joint of pipe willbe too high above the rig floor for a worker standing on the floor tosafely reach. Therefore, means are required to raise the rear end of thepipe to lower the angle of approach for the upper end of the pipe withrespect to the elevated rig floor. It is thus desirable to be able tolift the pipe from the rear portion so as to reduce the angle at whichthe pipe is fed onto the rig floor.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,137 issued to Buckner on Dec. 4, 1984 provides amachine that lifts a pipe trough from the rear; however, a cable isapparently still required for lifting the front end of the trough to therig floor.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a pipe pick-up and laydown systemthat includes a V-Door ramp of adjustable height so as to adapt thepick-up and laydown system to rigs of various heights. Still further, itis desirable to provide a pick-up and laydown system that has improvedmobility for quickly delivering the system to the wellsites. Furtherstill, a need exists for a system that enables pipe to be picked up froma pipe rack, placed in a trough, and the trough and pipe moved to aposition on the drilling rig floor without the need for a cable orwireline attachment to the pipe.

There is yet a further need for such a system that delivers pipe overthe rig floor a greater distance than known systems. In this regard, itis desirable to deliver pipe as close as possible to the wellbore beingformed. In this manner, the rear end of the delivered pipe does notswing as much when the pipe is lifted from the pickup and laydownsystem.

In addition, there is a need for a pipe-handling machine that can beoperated solely through hydraulic power. There is further a need for apipe manipulation system having a greater capability for adjusting theangle at which pipe is presented to the rig floor. Finally, a needexists for a pipe pick-up and laydown system that is essentiallyremotely operable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel pipe pick-up and laydown machine.In one arrangement, the machine is remotely operable, and requiresminimal manual manipulation of pipe joints by the rig hands. Inaddition, the machine can be adjusted to accommodate rigs of differentfloor heights.

The pipe pick-up and laydown machine constitutes a pipe-handling machinefor handling pipe at a drilling rig. More specifically, thepipe-handling machine is able to receive a joint of pipe from a piperack at ground level, and deliver it to the rig floor for verticalstacking and use in drilling or workover operations. Reciprocally, thepipe-handling machine is able to receive pipe from the rig floor, andreturn it back to ground level where it can be expelled onto an adjacentpipe rack.

The pipe-handling machine generally comprises three separate frames, anda ramp. The frames are carried upward towards a rig floor together alongthe connected ramp. The three frames and the ramp may be positioned onthe catwalk of a drilling rig adjacent the pipe rack. In one aspect, theramp may be folded over the three nested frames for ease of transport.Upon delivery to the rig site, the ramp is unfolded and elevated so thatit leans against the rig. Preferably, the ramp is then supported by theV-Door ramp.

After the ramp is unfolded into a position leaning against the rig, apipe is received into the pipe-handling machine. More specifically, thepipe is received onto the three frames. Each of the three frames definesan elongated frame structure having a concave upper surface. The firstframe is a trestle; the second frame is a trough carrier; and the thirdframe is a trough for receiving pipe. The three frames are nested,meaning that the trough is received within the trough carrier, while thetrough carrier is received within the trestle. To accomplish thisnesting arrangement, the upper surface of the trestle is configured toreceive the trough carrier, while the upper concave surface of thetrough carrier is configured to receive the trough. Finally, the uppersurface of the trough is configured to receive a joint of pipe.

A front end of the trestle is pivotally connected to the ramp. As thefront end of the trestle is pulled upwards towards the rig floor, thetrough carrier and the trough are carried with it. The back end of thetrough is pulled along the catwalk as the front end moves forward andupward. In one aspect, the back end of the trestle rides within a baseframe that provides lateral support. In one aspect, the rear portion ofthe trestle defines an articulating leg that may be folded over, therebyreducing the overall length of the trestle during transport. This, inturn, allows the machine to be transported on land via flatbed truckwithout a DOT permit.

The articulating leg first moves forward within the base frame as thefront end of the trestle is elevated along the inclined ramp. Thearticulating leg engages a stop member in the base frame, causing therear portion of the trestle to pivot and to be raised off the ground.This serves to reduce the angle of approach for tubulars as they aredelivered to the rig floor. The operation is reversed when laying downpipe.

As noted, the trestle receives the trough carrier. In one embodiment,the trough carrier is connected to the trestle by a trough carriertransport mechanism. In one aspect, the trough carrier transportmechanism defines a hydraulic cylinder connected at the rear of thetrough carrier, and having an extendable, telescoping arm. Dependingupon the configuration of the transport mechanism, the trough carriermay be moved longitudinally along the trestle, may be lifted upwardrelative to the trestle, or both. The trough carrier transport mechanismis actuated once the front end of the trestle has been raised to the rigfloor.

The trough carrier, in turn, receives an elongated trough. The troughhas a concave upper surface for receiving pipe from the adjoining piperack. In this manner, the trough serves as a cradle for pipe during apick-up or laydown operation. The trough is slidably mounted within thetrough carrier by a trough transport mechanism. The trough transportmechanism, in one arrangement, comprises a hydraulically actuated armfor telescopically extending the trough out of the forward end of thetrestle and towards the drilling rig. The trough transport mechanism isactuated once the forward end of the trough has reached the rig floor.

Returning to the ramp, the ramp has a frame structure, and an extendablearm that travels upward within the frame. Preferably, extension isaccomplished by a hydraulic arm having telescoping sections. Theinclined ramp may be assembled in modules, allowing additional sectionsto be incorporated for higher rig floor heights. In one arrangement,modules permit the ramp to be dimensioned between 16 and 35 feet intotal length.

A carriage is provided on the inclined ramp. The carriage rides along achannel provided in the frame. At the same time, the carriage ispivotally connected to the trestle. Thus, a lifting of the carriagealong the channel carries the front end of the trough to the rig floor.In one aspect, the carriage is lifted via chains that are pulled over asheave at the distal end of the hydraulic arm within the ramp. Theresult is that for each foot the hydraulic arm is raised, the carriagetravels two feet. The hydraulic cylinder, sheave, chains, channel andcarriage together form one arrangement for a trestle transportmechanism.

An optional pair of hands is provided on one or both sides of thetrestle. The hands are placed at the end of vertically or rotationallymoveable lifting arms. During a pick-up operation, pipe is rolled from apipe rack onto the hands. The hands are then raised above the height ofthe trough and tilted inward so that the pipe gravitationally rolls intothe trough.

Another optional feature of the pipe-handling machine provides a meansfor ejecting pipe from the trough and onto the hands in order to returnpipe to the pipe rack, such as during a laydown operation. In onearrangement, the pipe ejection structure comprises a pair of plateshaving angled wings. The plates are raised via hydraulic arms, causingthe pipe to be lifted from the trough. The wings are angled such that alifting of the pipe also causes the pipe to roll to one side of thetrestle, whereupon the pipe joint is received by the hands. The pipejoint is then rolled onto or otherwise delivered to the adjoining piperack.

A unique hydraulic circuitry for the machine is also provided herein. Inone embodiment, the circuitry includes a position valve that ismechanically actuated when the trestle is on the catwalk. When thetrestle is in its lower position on the catwalk, hydraulic circuitryallows operation of the pipe loading and pipe transfer mechanisms, i.e.,the lifting hands and the ejection plates. Hydraulic power is removedfrom the translation apparatuses that move the trough carrier relativeto the trestle, and the trough relative to the trough carrier. However,when the trestle is raised by actuation of the hydraulic cylinder withinthe ramp frame, the circuitry functions are reversed. Thus, when asection of pipe is being raised to the rig floor, the pipe loading andpipe transfer systems cannot be employed, ensuring that pipe will not beejected from the trough. A second position valve is provided at the topof the ramp. When the upper position valve is reached, the troughcarrier/trough transport mechanisms are powered. Preferably, thetelescoping ramp cylinders for the trestle transport mechanism aredisengaged until the trough and trough carrier are retracted.

As noted, the machine of the present invention is highly mobile. Themachine is configured so that the trough and trough carrier may benested within the trestle. A rear portion of the trestle is foldableover the trestle body. Further, the ramp frame may be folded over thetrestle. Using a winch line, the trestle and accompanying machinecomponents may be slidably transferred from a flat-bed trailer to thecatwalk, and vice versa. The trestle and attached machine components arerotated into position for use or for transport. Accompanying powersources, such as diesel engines, hydraulic fluid, e.g., oil andcanisters may also be carried on the trailer via a skid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentinvention are attained and can be understood in detail, a moreparticular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, maybe had by reference to the drawings that follow. FIGS. 1 through 16D areprovided. It is to be noted, however, that the attached Figuresillustrate only certain embodiments of this invention, and are not to beconsidered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe-handling machine constructed inaccordance with this invention, in one embodiment. In this view, thepipe-handling machine has been moved to a rig site, and a trestle of themachine is positioned on a catwalk. A portion of a drilling rig isshown. The trestle is in its lower position, but the inclined mast, or“ramp,” is raised to position against a drilling rig. The pipe-handlingmachine is shown somewhat schematically in this view to demonstratecontextual use for the machine.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the pipe-handling machine of FIG. 1.The ramp has been unfolded into position against the drilling rig. Thetrestle is again in its lower position, ready to be carried up theinclined ramp.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a trestle from the pipe-handling machine ofFIG. 2. A trough carrier frame and trough frame are shown exploded abovethe trestle frame. Arrows demonstrate that the trough is configured toreside within the trough carrier, and the trough carrier is configuredto reside within the trestle.

FIG. 2B presents cross-sectional views of the trestle, the troughcarrier, and the trough of FIG. 2A. The views are taken across line2B-2B of FIG. 2A. These views better demonstrate that the trough isconfigured to reside within the trough carrier, and the trough carrierin turn is configured to reside within the trestle.

FIG. 3 is another side view of the pipe-handling machine of FIG. 2. Inthis view, the trestle has been raised by a carriage to the top of aninclined ramp. A trough carrier transport mechanism is being used toboth raise and translate forward the trough carrier from the trestle. Itcan be seen that a tubular has been delivered to the rig floor.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a base frame as might be used toprovide lateral support to the trestle, in one embodiment. Channels areseen in base frame bars for receiving the rear portion of the trestle.

FIG. 4A presents yet another side view of the pipe-handling machine ofFIGS. 1 and 2. In this view, the trestle is back in its lower position.A rear portion of the trestle is being folded over in order to shortenthe length of the trestle for transportation. The inclined ramp is alsobeing folded over the trestle. A ramp rotation mechanism is used torotate the ramp.

FIG. 4B shows a side view of the pipe-handling machine of FIG. 4A. Inthis view, the rear portion of the trestle has been folded over thetrestle, and the inclined ramp has also been folded over the trestle.The pipe-handling machine is now ready for transport to a new rig site.

FIGS. 4C(1)-(3) each show another side view of a portion of thepipe-handling machine of FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, an alternate ramp rotationmechanism is employed for rotating the ramp. In FIG. 4C(1), the ramp isfolded over the trestle, while in FIG. 4C(3), the ramp is fullyextended. FIG. 4C(2) shows an intermediate position of the ramp.

FIG. 5A provides a side view of the pipe-handling machine of FIG. 2,with the trestle shown in an upper position in order to deliver a jointof pipe onto the drilling rig floor. The rig floor height in this Figureis lower than the rig floor height of FIG. 3. A trough carrier transportmechanism is being used to axially translate the trough carrier from thetrestle.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the pipe-handling machine of FIG. 2, with thetrestle shown in an upper position in order to deliver a joint of pipeonto the drilling rig floor. The rig floor height in this Figure ishigher than the rig floor height of FIG. 5A. A trough carrier transportmechanism is being used to raise the rear end of the trough carrierabove the trestle, thereby reducing the angle of the pipe relative tothe rig floor.

FIG. 5C presents a side view of a pipe-handling machine having analternate embodiment for a trough carrier transport mechanism. In thisarrangement, the trough carrier transport mechanism is being used toboth raise and translate forward the trough carrier from the trestle.

FIG. 6A shows a front view of the frame for the inclined ramp in thepipe-handling machine of FIG. 1. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 6A,modular extensions have been mounted into the frame.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the frame for the inclined ramp of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 provides a top view of the frame for the inclined ramp of FIG. 6.Visible in this view is the top of the frame, including portions of asheave and carriage within the frame.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a trestle transport mechanism as might beincorporated within the frame of FIG. 6A. In this arrangement, thetrestle transport mechanism employs telescoping sections that arehydraulically extended. A sheave is incorporated into the trestletransport mechanism. The sheave is shown both in its start position andin its fully elevated position. A dashed line shows the extension of thesheave from its starting position to its elevated position.

FIG. 8B is a schematic view of the trestle transport mechanism of FIG.8A, shown adjusted for yet a higher start position and a higher fullyelevated position than in FIG. 8A. Additional telescoping sections areprovided for the trestle transport mechanism.

FIG. 8C is a schematic view of the trestle transport mechanism of FIG.8A, shown adjusted for yet a higher start position and a higher fullyelevated position than the trestle transport mechanism of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9A presents a novel connector as may be used to connect the chainsto the carriage. The connector has not yet received the chain.

FIG. 9B presents the chain connector of FIG. 9A. In this view, theconnector has received the chain. A bolt has been driven into positionfor securing the chain.

FIG. 10A provides a perspective view of a base frame for the trestle forthe pipe pickup and laydown machine of the present invention, in onearrangement. The trestle, trough carrier and trough have been removedfor purpose of illustration. In this embodiment, two arms are seen—alifting arm and a stabilizing arm. The arms are affixed to oppositesides of the base frame. In FIG. 9A, the stabilizing arm is affixed nearthe bottom of the frame on a side.

FIG. 10B presents an alternate arrangement of the trestle base frame ofFIG. 9A. In this view, a stabilizing arm is again shown extending fromone side of the frame. A lifting arm is also shown on the opposite sideof the frame to assist in loading pipe into the trough. In FIG. 9B, thestabilizing arm is affixed near the top of the trestle frame on a side.

FIG. 11 presents a top view of the trough of FIG. 2A. Visible in thisview are two pairs of lifting plates. One pair is for ejecting a pipe toone side of the trough, while the other pair is for ejecting a pipe tothe other side of the trough.

FIG. 12A provides an enlarged view of two lifting plates. Each liftingplate is mounted within the concave surface of the trough. The platesare used for urging a tubular from within the trough out of the trough.One plate urges the tubular to move to one side of the trough, while theother plate is actuated to move the tubular to the other side, dependingon which side of the trough the pipe rack is positioned.

FIG. 12B shows the lifting plates of FIG. 12A in a side, cross-sectionalview. The view is taken across line 12B-12B of FIG. 11. In this view,one of the plates has been actuated. It is understood that both plateswill not be actuated simultaneously, since the plates are used to urge apipe towards opposite respective sides of the trough.

FIG. 12C provides another cross-sectional view of the trough of FIG. 11,allowing a fuller view of a pivoted plate. The view is taken across line12C-12C of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 provides a circuit diagram for a hydraulic system as might beused during operation of the pipe-handling machine of FIG. 1, in oneembodiment.

FIG. 14 provides a circuit diagram for a hydraulic system of thepipe-handling machine of FIG. 1, in an alternate embodiment.

Each of FIGS. 15A through 15C presents a top view of a pipe pickup andlaydown machine being transferred from a flatbed trailer onto a catwalkat a rig site. The pipe-handling machine and the rig are shownschematically.

In FIG. 15A, the pipe-handling machine is resting on the flatbed trailerof a truck. The flatbed trailer is positioned adjacent a catwalk of adrilling rig. The bed of the truck and the machine are positionedessentially normal to the catwalk.

In FIG. 15B, the pipe-handling machine has been rotated to a positionessentially parallel to the catwalk using a winch line.

In FIG. 15C, the pipe-handling machine has been pulled onto the catwalk.A winch line is visible pulling the machine.

Each of FIGS. 16A through 16D presents a top view of the pipe pickup andlaydown machine of FIGS. 15A-15C. The machine has completed the pipepick-up and laydown operations, and is now ready to be taken from thedrilling site. In these drawings, the machine is being transferred fromthe catwalk back to the flatbed trailer. The pipe-handling machine andthe rig are again shown schematically.

In FIG. 16A, a winch line has been configured for pulling the machineback onto the flatbed trailer.

In FIG. 16B the pipe-handling machine has been pulled onto the trailer,but is still oriented perpendicular to the bed.

FIG. 16C shows the winch line being reconfigured so that thepipe-handling machine can be rotated into proper orientation fortransport on the trailer.

Finally, in FIG. 16D, the pipe-handling machine of FIG. 16C has beenproperly positioned on the flatbed trailer, and is ready to betransported away from the drill site.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a pickup and laydown system, or“pipe-handling machine” 100 constructed in accordance with the presentinvention, in one embodiment. In this view, the pipe-handling machine100 has been moved to a rig site, and is set up adjacent to a drillingrig 10. A portion of the drilling rig 10 is visible in FIG. 1, includingthe rig floor 12. The rig 10 shown is a land rig having a rig floor 12that is between 16 and 30 feet in height above the ground. However, itis understood that the pipe pick-up and laydown machine 100 of thepresent invention may be used with either land or offshore rigs (notshown), and with rigs of various sizes and configurations. In addition,the pipe-handling machine 100 may be used in connection with anywellbore operation platform which handles pipe. The pipe-handlingmachine 100 of FIG. 1 is shown somewhat schematically to demonstrate onecontextual use for the machine 100.

The pipe-handling machine 100 is designed to receive a joint of pipe 50from a pipe rack 195 at ground level, and deliver it to the rig floor 12for further stacking and use during a drilling or workover operation.Reciprocally, the pipe-handling machine 100 is able to receive pipe 50′from the rig floor 12, and return it back to ground level where it canbe expelled onto the pipe rack 195.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the pipe-handling machine 100 of FIG. 1. Alower portion of a drilling rig 10 is also shown somewhat schematicallyto place the machine 100 in context. In the side view of FIG. 2, twomembers of the machine 100 are discernable—a trestle 200 and a ramp 500.Two other members of the machine 100—a trough carrier 300 and a trough400—are disposed within the trestle 200 and are not separatelydiscernable in the views of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The trestle 200 of the pipe-handling machine 100 serves as a cradle forthe machine 100. In the views shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trestle 200 isin an essentially horizontal position. When situated for operation, thetrestle 200 has a forward portion 202 proximate to the drilling rig 10,and a rear portion 204 distal to the drilling rig 10. Preferably, thetrestle 200 is placed on the top of a catwalk 190 upon delivery to a rigsite. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that mostdrilling sites, especially those on land, include a catwalk that servesas a staging area for transferring pipe 50 from various pipe racks (suchas the pipe rack 195) to the rig floor 12. Typically, the catwalk 190has an elevated solid platform that is of approximately the same heightas the pipe racks.

The trestle 200 defines an elongated frame structure having a pluralityof structural support members. Various structural support members areseen best in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2B. First, longitudinalsupport members 212 are provided. Longitudinal support members 212extend along the longitudinal axis of the trestle 200, on both the topand the bottom of the trestle 200. The longitudinal support members 212are seen in FIG. 2B, in cross-section. The longitudinal support members212 are secured together by vertical support members 214 and byhorizontal frame members 215. Together, the various support members 212,214, and 215 form an open top, U-shaped truss. Thus, the trestle 200includes an upper receiving surface, shown at 216 in FIG. 2B. In oneaspect, the upper surface 216 is concave in configuration.

The trestle 200 houses two separate frame members—a trough carrier 300and a trough 400. The trough carrier 300 and the trough 400 are notvisible in FIG. 1 or 2 as they are nested within the trestle 200.However, the trough carrier 300 and trough 400 are visible in FIGS. 2Aand 2B. FIG. 2A is a side view of the trestle 200 from the pipe-handlingmachine 100 of FIG. 2. A trough carrier 300 and trough 400 are shownexploded above the trestle 200. Arrows demonstrate that the trough 400is configured to reside within the trough carrier 300, and the troughcarrier 300 is configured to reside within the trestle 200.

FIG. 2B presents cross-sectional views of the trestle 200, the troughcarrier 300, and the trough 400 of FIG. 2A. The views are taken acrossline 2B-2B. These views better demonstrate that the trough 400 isconfigured to reside within the trough carrier 300, and the troughcarrier is configured to reside within the trestle. More specifically,the trough carrier 300 is received upon the upper receiving surface 216of the trestle 200, while the trough 400 is received upon an upperreceiving surface 316 of the trough carrier 300. Features of the troughcarrier 300 and the trough 400 will be discussed in more detail below.

It is noted at this point that the overall length of the pipe-handlingmachine 100 is preferably dimensioned to be received upon andtransported by a flatbed trailer without necessity of a special DOTpermit. In one aspect, and to accomplish a shortening of the overalllength of the pipe-handling machine 100, the rear portion 204 of thetrestle 200 may be folded over. The rear portion 204 is folded over bymeans of a pin connection 206. In this respect, the rear portion 204 isjoined to the trestle 200 by a pin 206 that allows the rear portion 204to move from a first lower position in the longitudinal plane of thetrestle 200. The pin 206 is seen in FIG. 4A. In one arrangement, therear portion 204 is approximately 8 feet in length.

FIG. 4A presents yet another side view of the pipe-handling machine 100of FIG. 2. In this view, the trestle 200 is again in its lower position.The rear portion 204 of the trestle 200 is being folded over in order toshorten the length of the trestle 200 for transportation. Arrow 207shows progressive rotational movement of the rear portion 204 as it isfolded into the trestle 200.

It is preferred that the pipe-handling machine 100 be positioned on abase frame. A base is shown at 240 in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A. The base 240is shown schematically as a line in FIG. 2, and is seen placed on top ofthe catwalk 190. However, in FIG. 4, the base 240 is seen in perspectiveview. In one arrangement, the base 240 comprises a pair of parallel bars248 that serve as a guide system for the trestle 200. In this respect,the guide system slidably receives the rear portion 204 of the trestle200 as the forward end 202 moves upward towards the rig floor 12 duringtool 100 operation. Preferably, the guide system bars 248 defineparallel channels. Vertical bars 249 are also provided. As will bedescribed later in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B, the vertical bars249 serve as support members for a stabilizing arm 610 or,alternatively, a lifting arm 620.

The pipe pick-up and laydown machine 100 next comprises an inclined ramp500. In FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the ramp 500 is pivotallyconnected to the trestle 200 at the trestle's front end 202. The ramp500 has been inclined against the rig 10. Preferably, the ramp 500 issupported by a V-Door ramp, as shown at 16 in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The ramp 500 defines an essentially U-shaped frame 506 made up of aplurality of beams and lattices. Transverse stabilizing members 507 areincluded in the frame 506. FIG. 6A presents a front view of a frame inone embodiment. FIG. 6B presents the frame of FIG. 6A in side view. Anoptional modular extension 511 is shown included in the frame 506,connected by pads 508. The modular extensions 511 permit the ramp 500 tobe lengthened in order to accommodate rig floors 12 of various heights.

The ramp 500 has an upper end 504 and a lower end 502. Preferably, thelower end 502 is pivotally connected to a forward end 242 of the base240 (seen in FIG. 4). This allows the ramp 500 to be rotated between afolded over position for transport, and an unfolded position foroperation. Movement of the ramp 500 between these positions is shown atarrow 507 in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 3 presents another side view of the pipe-handling machine 100 ofFIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the inclined ramp 500 is in its extended positionagainst the rig 10. Preferably, the ramp 500 is rested against analready-in-place V-door ramp 16. In this view, the trestle 200 has beenraised to the top of the inclined ramp 500. A tubular 50 has beendelivered to the rig floor 12.

Various arrangements may be provided for the pivoting connection betweenthe ramp 500 and the base 240. In FIG. 3, one embodiment for a ramprotation mechanism 510 is provided. The ramp rotation mechanism 510, isbest seen in FIG. 4A. The ramp rotation mechanism 510 includes at leastone hydraulic cylinder 528 and a pair of triangular frames 520, 530. Thehydraulic cylinder 528 and the triangular frames 520, 530 are positionedat the lower end 502 of the ramp 500. The lower end of the ramp 500 isdesignated in FIG. 2 by reference arrow 502. As shown in FIG. 2, thelower end 502 is pivotally pinned to ramp rotation frames 520 (only oneshown). The pivoting connection allows the ramp 500 to pivot relative tothe trestle 200.

The ramp rotation frame 520 presented in FIGS. 2 and 4A is triangular,though other geometries may be employed. The ramp rotation frame 520resides at the same level as the lower position of the trestle 200, suchas immediately above or on the catwalk 190. In one arrangement, thehydraulic cylinder 528 (shown most clearly in FIG. 4B) is placed suchthat the fixed end of the respective cylinder 528 is pinned to a firstpoint 522 in one of the rotation frames 520. The cylinder 528 includes atelescoping arm 529 that is pinned to a first point 532 of a separateA-frame 530. A vortex 534 of the A-frame 530 is pinned to a second point524 in the ramp rotation frame 520.

Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder 528 causes the inclined ramp 500 tobe moved between extended and retracted positions. As noted above, theramp 500 is in its extended position in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4A isprovided to show the ramp 500 being rotated to its folded over, orretracted position. Again, movement of the ramp 500 from its extendedposition to its retracted position is shown at arrow 507 in FIG. 4A. Toretract the ramp 500, the telescoping arm 529 is extended outward fromthe hydraulic cylinder 528. FIG. 4B shows the telescoping arm 529extended, causing ramp 500 to be folded over the trestle 200.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the pipe handling machine of FIG. 4A. In thisview, the rear portion of the trestle 200 has been folded over thetrestle 200, and the inclined ramp 500 has also been folded over thetrestle 200. The foldable features allow the overall length of themachine 100 to be shortened for over-the-road transport purposes.Preferably, the length of the machine 100 in its folded state is lessthan 45 feet to avoid permitting requirements from a regulatorytransportation department.

An alternate arrangement for a ramp rotation mechanism 510′ is shown inFIGS. 4C(1)-(3). FIGS. 4C(1), 4C(2) and 4C(3) each shows a side view ofthe alternate ramp rotation mechanism 510′. In FIG. 4C(1), the ramp 500is folded over the trestle 200, while in FIG. 4C(3), the ramp 500 isfully extended. FIG. 4C(2) shows an intermediate position of the ramp500.

In the alternate arrangement shown in FIGS. 4C(1)-(3), a pair of framemembers 520′, 530′ is again provided. The first frame member 520′ istriangular, while the second frame member 530′ is integral to the ramp500 itself. Hydraulic cylinders 528, 538 sequentially act on the twoframe members 520′, 530′ in order to rotate the ramp 500. Hydrauliccylinder 528′ acts on the first frame member 520′, while hydrauliccylinder 538′ acts on the second frame member 530′.

The first hydraulic cylinder 528′ has a first end 522′ pivotallyconnected to the trestle 200, and a second end 524′ pivotally connectedto the first frame member 520′. Likewise, the second hydraulic cylinder538′ has a first end 532′ pivotally connected to the trestle 200, and asecond end 534′ pivotally connected to the second frame member 530′. Thesecond hydraulic cylinder 538′ has an intermediate pivoting connection536′ as well.

Referring to FIG. 4C(1), the first hydraulic cylinder 528′ is fullyextended, while the second hydraulic cylinder 538′ is fully retracted.In this position, the ramp 500 is folded over the trestle 200. In FIG.4C(2), the first hydraulic cylinder 528′ has been fully retracted, whilethe second hydraulic cylinder 538′ remains fully retracted as well. Inthis position, the ramp 500 is being rotated into an upright position.Finally, in n FIG. 4C(3), the first hydraulic cylinder 528′ remainsfully retracted, while the second hydraulic cylinder 538′ has beenextended. In this position, the ramp 500 is rotated further into aposition where it can lean against a V-Door ramp (not shown). The use ofseparately linked and sequentially operated cylinders 528′, 538′ allowsfor a greater angular range of motion for the ramp 500.

In one embodiment, the ramp 500 is extendable in height. To this end,the ramp 500 is fabricated from modular frame portions 511, e.g., threeor more, that are connectible end-to-end. The addition of modular frameportions (shown at 511 in FIG. 6A) serves to selectively lengthen theframe 500, thereby allowing the ramp 500 to be adapted to different righeights. The drilling company provides the rig height, catwalk, andV-ramp dimensions. This informs the operator of the pipe-handlingmachine 100 with the information needed to calculate the needed lengthof the inclined ramp 500.

As noted in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B, the pipe pick-up andlaydown machine 100 also comprises a trough carrier 300. The troughcarrier 300 defines an elongated frame made up of a plurality of beamsand lattices. The trough carrier 300 has an open top for receiving atrough 400. The open top forms an upper receiving surface 316 forreceiving the trough 400. The trough carrier 300 resides within theU-shaped trestle 200 on the upper receiving surface 216, and is nestedbetween the trestle 200 and the trough 400.

The trough carrier 300 is connected to the trestle 200 by means of atrough carrier transport mechanism 310. The trough carrier transportmechanism 310 is provided for selectively moving the trough carrier 300relative to the trestle 200. One embodiment of a trough carriertransport mechanism 310 is shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the troughcarrier transport mechanism 310 defines a hydraulically operatedcylinder 312 having at least one telescoping section 314. Thehydraulically operated cylinder 312 is pivotally fastened to the trestle200 proximate to the rear portion 204 of the trestle 200 by a pin 306.The hydraulically operated cylinder 312 is oriented so that thetelescoping section(s) 314 extend outward towards the forward portion202 of the trestle 200. Thus, extension of the telescoping section(s)314 serves to extend the trough carrier 300 partially out of the trestle200 and towards the drilling rig 10. A brace 318 is also provided toassist the telescoping section(s) 314 in lifting the trough carrier 300.The brace 318 is pivotally pinned to the trestle 200 at one end, and tothe telescoping section 314 at the other.

FIG. 3 is another side view of the pipe-handling machine 100 of FIG. 1.In this view, the trestle 200 has been raised by a carriage 550 to thetop of the inclined ramp 500. The trough carrier 300 can be seen raisedrelative to the trestle 200. The trough carrier transport mechanism 310is being used to both rotationally raise and translate forward thetrough carrier 300 from the trestle 200. It can also be seen in FIG. 3that a tubular 50 has been delivered to the rig floor 12.

A variety of embodiments is possible for the trough carrier transportmechanism 310. Three additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 5A, 5Band 5C, respectively.

First, FIG. 5A provides a side view of the pipe-handling machine 100 ofFIG. 2, with the trestle 200 shown in an upper position in order todeliver a joint of pipe 50 onto the drilling rig floor 12. The joint ofpipe 50 could be drill string, casing, production tubing, or any othertype of jointed tubular. The rig floor height in this Figure is lowerthan the rig floor height of FIG. 3. A trough carrier transportmechanism 310A is being used to axially translate the trough carrier 300from the trestle 200. Here, the trough carrier transport mechanism 310Asimply employs a hydraulically operated cylinder 312A to extend thetrough carrier 300 along the longitudinal plane of the trestle 200.

Next, FIG. 5B presents a side view of the pipe-handling machine 100,with the trestle 200 again shown in an upper position in order todeliver a joint of pipe 50 onto a drilling rig floor 12. The rig floorheight in this Figure is higher than the rig floor height of FIG. 5A.Here, a trough carrier transport mechanism 310B is used to raise thetrough carrier 300 from the trestle 200. The trough carrier transportmechanism 310B employs a hydraulically operated cylinder 312B to extendthe rear portion of the trough carrier 300 directly upward relative tothe trestle 200. The angle of approach for the pipe 50 towards thedrilling rig floor 12 is thereby lessened.

FIG. 5C presents a side view of a pipe handling machine 100 having yetanother alternate embodiment for a trough carrier transport mechanism310C. In this arrangement, the trough carrier transport mechanism 310Cis being used to both raise and translate forward the trough carrier 300from the trestle 200. Here, the trough transport mechanism 310C employsa hydraulically operated cylinder 312C to extend the trough carrier 300forward relative to the trestle 300. At the same time, the cylinder 312Cis pivotally pinned to a fixed-length brace 316C that causes the troughcarrier 300 to also extend upward. The brace 316C is preferably attachedto the trough carrier 300 at the same pivot point as the telescopingcylinder 312C. The brace 316C has a lower end that will slidingly engagethe trough carrier 300. In the retracted position, the brace 316C willbe nearly parallel with the longitudinal axis of the trestle 200, andthe trough carrier 300 will be parallel with the trestle 200. When thehydraulic cylinder 312C begins to extend, it first moves the troughcarrier 300 and the brace 316C forward relative to the trestle 200. Theforward end of the brace 316C will eventually hit a stop 216C, causingthe brace 316C to rotate upward, pivoting the trough carrier 300 upwardrelative to the trestle 200. In this way, full extension of the troughcarrier 300 may be achieved while also reducing the angle of approachfor the nested pipe 50.

As noted, the pipe pick-up and laydown machine 100 also comprises atrough 400. The trough 400 defines an elongated frame configured tocradle a pipe section, such as a drill pipe 50 or other pipe employed indrilling a well. In one arrangement, the trough 400 is fabricated from aset of six elongated beams (shown at 408 in FIG. 2B and FIG. 12C) weldedside-by-side to form an essentially concave upper receiving surface 416.The affixed beams 408 are seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2B.The trough 400 is longitudinally movable relative to the trough carrier300. A trough transport mechanism 410 is provided for selectively movingthe trough 400 along the trough carrier 300, and then retracting thetrough 400 back into the trough carrier 300. Preferably, the troughtransport mechanism 410 also defines a hydraulically operated cylinder412C (seen in FIG. 5C) having at least one telescoping section 414C. Thehydraulically operated cylinder 412C is fastened to the trough carrier300, and is oriented so that the telescoping section 414C extendsoutward towards the drilling rig 10. Thus, extension of the telescopingsection 414C serves to extend the trough 400 partially out of the troughcarrier 300 and towards the drilling rig 10. Of course, other means forsliding the trough 400 relative to the trough carrier may be employed.

At this point, it should be noted that there is significant advantage toemploying both a trough carrier transport mechanism 310 and a troughtransport mechanism 410. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that if pipe 50 were moved onto the rig floor 12 using onlythe trough 400 and trough transport mechanism 410, the extent of reachover the rig floor 12 would be more limited, e.g., approximately eightfeet. However, when the pipe 50 is delivered with the additional supportof the trough carrier 300 and the additional reach of the trough carriertransport mechanism 310, pipe 50 may be delivered an additional eightfeet over the rig floor 12 for a net delivery of 16 feet. In addition,heavier pipe, such as 10 inch drill collars, may be delivered.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, as well as in each of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, thefront end 202 of the trestle 200 is carried upwards toward the rig floor12 along the inclined ramp 500. The connection between the front end 502of the trestle 200 and the ramp 500 is by means of a carriage 550. Thecarriage 550 is designed to transport the forward end 202 of the trestle200 between the upper 504 and lower 502 ends of the ramp 500. In onearrangement, the carriage 550 comprises a U-shaped channel body that hasrollers (not shown) on opposite ends. Front and side views of thecarriage 550 can be seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively.

It is desirable that the pivoting connection between the trestle 200 andthe carriage 550 be removable. In this respect, it may be necessary tolift the entire pipe-handling machine 100 onto a catwalk on an offshoreplatform (not shown). Offshore rigs have a crane-lifting capacity, suchas 20,000 pounds. However, the combined trestle 200 (and nested troughcarrier 300 and trough 400) and ramp 500 will, in one embodiment, weighapproximately 28,000 pounds. Out of this total weight, the ramp 500 andcarriage 550 and accompanying parts, e.g., chains 517, will account forabout 10,000 pounds. Releasable connecting pins 536 (shown in FIGS. 4Aand 7) are used for the pivoting connection between the trestle 200 andthe carriage 550.

FIG. 7 demonstrates a top view of the frame of FIG. 6A. Visible in thisview is the top of the frame 506, including portions of a sheave 518 andthe carriage 550. The rollers of the carriage 550 are received inoppositely-facing U-shaped channel tracks 554 that are secured in spacedrelation within the carriage 550 by suitable transverse members, such asplate 558. The carriage 550 has ears 556 which receive pins 536 forpivotally mounting the trestle 200 to the carriage 550. The carriage 550is connected to a pair of chains 517 rove over a pair of spaced sheaves518 mounted on the end of telescoping section 514 of the trestletransport mechanism 570. The pair of sheaves 518 is positioned withinthe U-shaped channel that defines the carriage 550. One end of thechains 517 is secured to the frame 500 at an anchor point on the sideproximate to the drilling rig 10. The other end of the chains 517 issecured to the carriage 550 by a suitable pin or other securing means(not shown). The result is that for every foot of lift accomplished byextension of the trestle transport mechanism 570, the carriage 550 islifted two feet.

The two-to-one ratio of extension-to-lift provided in the present ramp550 means that the anchor point for the chain 517 must be atapproximately the halfway point up the frame 506. Thus, the anchor pointis adjustable. The adjustable nature of the ramp 500 and the anchorpoint is demonstrated in FIGS. 8A-8C. FIG. 8A presents a schematic viewof the trestle transport mechanism 570. The sheave 518 is shown both ina start position and in a fully elevated position. The carriage 550 istranslated by one or more chains 517. The chains 517, in turn, are roveby the sheaves 518 at the top of the last telescoping section 514. Asthe telescoping section 514 is extended from the hydraulic cylinder 512,the sheave 518 is raised. This has the effect of expediting the liftingof the carriage 550 and attached trestle 200.

It can also be seen in FIG. 7 that a second pair of rollers 519 isprovided inside the carriage rollers 554. More specifically, rollers 519serve to guide the telescoping cylinders 514 of the trestle transportmechanism 570 as the cylinders 514 are raised along the ramp 500.

FIG. 9A presents a novel connector 580 as is preferably used to connectone of the chains 517 to the carriage 550. The connector 580 generallycomprises a bracket 582 having an opening 584 for receiving the chain517. The bracket 580 shown in FIG. 9A is generally U-shaped. A fasteningbolt 586 is movably connected to the bracket 582. The bolt 586 has afirst end external to the bracket 582, and a second end (not seen)within the opening 584 for selectively engaging and releasing the chain517. Preferably, the bolt 586 is threadedly received within a matingthreaded opening 588 in the bracket 580. Movement of the fastening bolt586 is accomplished by turning the bolt 586.

The novel connector 580 allows the point of connection between thecarriage 550 and the chain 517 to be quickly adjusted, depending uponthe number of extensions to be added to the ramp frame. Stated anotherway, the anchor point for the chain 517 is more easily adjustable. Anyexcess chain length is gathered within the frame 506, or may be allowedto simply dangle.

In FIG. 9A, the chain 517 has not yet been inserted into the connector580. It can be seen that in the arrangement of FIG. 9A, the chain 517 isreceived through a pair of grooved bars 583. The position of the upperbar is adjustable in response to movement of the bolt 588.

FIG. 9B presents a perspective view of the chain connector 580 of FIG.9A, with the chain 517 being received within the bracket 582. The bolt586 has been tightened into the bracket 582. Movement of the bolt hascaused the upper bar 583 to clamp the chain 517.

FIG. 8B provides another schematic view of the trestle transportmechanism 570. Here, the anchor point is adjusted for a higher startposition and a higher fully elevated position than in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8Cprovides an additional schematic view of the trestle transport mechanism570, shown adjusted for a still higher start position and still higherfully elevated position.

In operation, the hydraulic cylinder 522 for the ramp 500 is actuated soas to retract the corresponding telescoping arm 524. This causes theramp 500 to be raised from its nested position within or immediatelyabove the trestle 200. The ramp 500 is preferably positioned against analready-existing V-Door ramp for support. For safety reasons, the top504 of the frame 506 should be tied to the rig floor 12 at this pointbefore any joints of pipe 50 are picked up.

The hydraulic cylinder 512 of the ramp 500 is next actuated so as toextend the telescoping arms 514 from hydraulic cylinder 512. This servesto lift the carriage 550 upward along the ramp 500. As the telescopingsections 514 are extended, the carriage 550 travels up the frame 506 ofthe ramp 500. The carriage 550 has a starting point at the level of thecatwalk 190. Because of the 2:1 ratio of travel time, the carriage 550is able to “catch up” to the height of the extended telescoping sections514 at the height of the rig floor 12.

As noted, the forward portion 202 of the trestle 200 is pivotally pinnedto the carriage 550. The carriage 550 has ears 556 which receive pins536 for pivotally mounting the trestle 200 to the carriage 550. Rollers(not shown) are positioned within the frame 500 on either side of thetrestle 200. The rollers ride within the guide system for the carriage550 defined by the frame 506. As the carriage 550 is raised along theramp frame 506 the rollers travel upward along the frame 500 insideoppositely-facing channels 554. The forward portion 202 of the trestle200 is thus raised to a level at or above the rig floor 12.

An additional optional feature of the trestle 200 is a pair ofarticulating legs 230. The articulating legs 230 are pinned to the rearportion 204 by pins 209. Attachment of one of the articulating legs 230to the trestle 200 by pin 209 is seen in FIG. 4A. The articulating leg230 is slightly shorter than the rear portion 204 of the trestle 200. Asshown in FIGS. 2 and 4A, the articulating leg 230 in one embodimentdefines a triangular truss type member having an upper hypotenuse leg235 and a slightly shorter base leg 234. A third leg 236 connecting thebase 234 and hypotenuse 235 legs is a much shorter leg. The shorter leg236 connects the ends of the legs 234, 235 to form the triangulararticulated leg 230.

Each upper leg 234 is pinned to the back portion of the trestle 200 bypins 209. The base 234 and hypotenuse 235 legs, in turn, each meet at apin which carries a roller 246. The rollers 246 move in a track 248(seen best in FIG. 4) along the base 240.

FIG. 4 presents a perspective view of a base structure 240 as might beused to support the trestle 200, and to pivotally connect to the ramp500. A front portion 242 connects to the ramp 500, while a rear portion244 connects to the trestle 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the base 240 in onearrangement defines two parallel tracks 248. The track 248 serves as aguide system for the trestle 200 as it is moved. The track 248 includesa pair of stop members 248′ (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) at the forward endof the rear portion 204 of the trestle 200. The stop members 248′ limitthe forward movement of the rollers 246 on the articulating legs 230.When the front end 202 of the trestle 200 is raised along the inclinedramp 500 into the raised position shown in FIG. 3, the back end 204 ofthe trestle 200 is first moved forward until the rollers 246 engage thestops 248′. From there, the articulating legs 230 pivot so as to causethe rear portion 204 of the trestle 200 to be raised. With thisarrangement, no independent vertical assist is required to lift the backend 204 of the trestle 200. Raising the back end 204 of the trestle 200,in turn, reduces the approach angle of the pipe joints 50 as they aredelivered to or removed from the rig floor 12.

Various other arrangements for pivotally lifting the rear portion 204 ofthe trestle 200 may be provided. Exemplary arrangements are provided inU.S. Pat. No. 4,403,898 issued to Thompson on Sep. 13, 1983. The '898Thompson patent is incorporated herein in its entirety, by reference.

It is desirable to provide a means for loading pipe 50 from the piperacks into the trough 400 of the machine 100, and vice versa.Accordingly, a loading apparatus 600 is optionally provided. The loadingapparatus 600, in one arrangement, is shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10Aprovides a perspective view of a trestle 200 for the pipe pickup andlaydown machine 100 of the present invention, in one arrangement. Thetrough carrier 300 and trough 400 have been removed for purpose ofillustration. In this embodiment, two arm are seen—a lifting arm 620;and a stabilizing arm 610. The arms 620, 610 are affixed to oppositesides of the trestle 200. More specifically, the arms 620, 610 areaffixed vertical frame members 249 from the trestle support frame 240.

First, the loading apparatus 600 employs at least one lifting arm 620.The lifting arm 620 shown in FIG. 10A is disposed on a side of thetrestle frame 240, i.e., affixed to vertical structural support member249. In this way, the arm 620 may readily access pipe 50′ on the piperacks adjacent the catwalk 190. Optionally, additional lifting arms 620may be disposed on each side of the trestle 200. In this manner, alifting arm 620 can receive pipe on one side of the trestle 200 duringthe pick-up phase, and deliver pipe to the opposite side of the trestle200 during the laydown phase.

The lifting arm 620 is preferably hydraulically operated. First, acylinder may be actuated to translate the arm 620 up and down along thesides of the trestle 200. The lifting arm 620 typically lifts transverseto the trestle 200 (as shown), or may be configured to rotate along thelongitudinal plane of the trestle 200 (arrangement not shown). Thelifting arm 620 also includes, in one arrangement, a hydraulic cylinder622 that receives a telescoping section 624. This allows the arm 620 tobe moved into lifting position.

An upwardly facing concave hand 626 is disposed at the distal end of thetelescoping section 624. The concave hand 626 is positioned under thefirst pipe 50′ for lifting. Using the cylinder 622 and telescopingsection 624 for the lifting arm 620, the hand 626 may be selectivelyangled inwards toward the trough 400. The lifting hand 626 may also belowered to a position lower than the base of the trestle 200. Thelifting arm 620 is simultaneously raised to a position so that the pipe50′ rolls off the hand 626 and into the trough 400. In FIG. 10A,rotational movement of the lifting hand is shown by arrow 607.

The loading apparatus 600 optionally further comprises one or morestabilizing arms 610. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 10A, a singlestabilizing arm is 610 likewise disposed on a side of the trestle frame240 to access pipe 50″ on the pipe racks.

The stabilizing arm 610 in one arrangement includes a hydraulic cylinder612 for receiving a telescoping section 614. The fixed end of thecylinder 612 may be attached proximate the top of the support member 249(as shown in FIG. 10A), or proximate the bottom of the support member249 (as shown in FIG. 10B). A downward facing concave hand 616 isdisposed at the distal end of the telescoping section 614. The concavehand 616 is positioned over a second pipe 50″ on a pipe rack before afirst pipe 50′ is lifted. This provides the stabilizing function.

It should be noted that the concave hand 616 of the stabilizing arm 620may be turned over and used as a lifting arm. Thus, in one arrangement,it is not necessary to employ both stabilizing arm 610 and lifting arm620.

The loading apparatus 600 also employs a pair of pipe loading arms. Forpurposes of clarity, the loader arms are not shown in FIG. 10A or 10B,though it is understood that they are present. However, the loader armsare seen at 630 in FIGS. 2 and 4C(1)-(3). Each of the pipe loading arms630 includes a rotating arm 632 that rotates along the longitudinal axisof the trestle 200. The arms 630 also each include a hand 636 thatextends transverse to the respective rotating arms 632 in order toengage pipe 50′. Rotation of the rotating arms 632 is accomplished byselectively actuating a hydraulic cylinder and telescoping section (notshown) within the trestle 200. Actuation of the pipe loading arms 630allows the arms to catch pipe 50′ within the lifting arm 620, raise thepipe 50′ upwards to the top of the trestle 200, and drop the pipe 50′into the trough 400.

The loader arms 632 begin in the down position when bringing pipe 50over to the side of the machine 100. The arms 632 then rotate upward andcarry the pipe 50 to the top of the trestle frame 200 where the pipe 50rolls off the loader hand 636 and into the trough 400. The loader arms632 remain in a raised position as the trestle 200 is elevated by thecarriage 550 throughout the raise and lower cycles.

An additional optional feature provided for the machine 100 is a meansfor causing pipe 50 within the trough 400 to be expelled. When layingdown pipe 50, the trestle 200 is lowered to a horizontal position. Thepipe 50 contained within the machine 100 is then rolled out of thetrough support members 408 and onto the lifting hands 626 as discussedabove. One arrangement for ejecting pipe 50 from a trough is describedin col. 4 of the '898 Thompson patent, and shown in FIG. 3 of thatpatent. However, for the present machine 100, FIGS. 11-12C illustrate apreferred mechanism for lifting pipe 50 out of the trough receivingsurface 416 while it is in the horizontal position so as to cause thepipe 50 to roll onto a pipe rack.

Referring now to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 presents a top view of the trough ofFIG. 2A. Visible in this view are two pairs of lifting plates 250′,250″. One pair of lifting plates 250′ is in a retracted position, whilethe other pair 250″ is in an extended position. The preferred pipetransfer mechanism 250 employs these pairs of lifting plates 250′, 250″for ejecting pipe (not shown in FIG. 11) from the trough 400.

FIG. 12A provides an enlarged view of a lifting plate 250′ and a secondlifting plate 250″. Each lifting plate 250′, 250″ is mounted within theconcave surface of the trough 400. The lifting plates 250′, 250″ eachdefine a central portion 252, and left and right opposing wings 254extending away from the central portion 252. Wings 254 incline upwardfrom the central portion 252 so that they are flush with the inclinedsides of the trough 400. While in the retracted position, the centralpotion 252 is flush with the lower central portion of the trough 400. Inthe extended position, the wings 254 extend above the top plane of thetrough 400.

FIG. 12B shows the lifting plates 250′, 250″ of FIG. 11 in a side,cross-sectional view. The view is taken across line 12B-12B of FIG. 11.Each lifting plate 250′, 250″ is pivotally mounted by a respective pivotpoint 256. The pivot point 256 may be at one end of the plate (250′ or250″) as shown in FIG. 12B, or may be centrally located under thecentral portion 252. A hydraulic cylinder 262 pivots the lifting plates250′, 250″ between their retracted and extended positions. The cylinders262 are fixed at one end 266. At the opposite end, a telescoping section264 is pinned to a plate arm 268. The plate arm 268 pivots about theplate pivot point 256, thereby pivoting the respective plates 250′, 250″themselves. In FIG. 12B, lifting plate 250′ is shown in its extendedposition. It is understood that only one of the two plates 250′, 250″would be actuated or extended at any given time.

The wings 254 of the plates 250′, 250″ have angled edges. When theplates 250′, 250″ are rotated, an upper edge 255 of the plates 250′,250″ rises above the upper edges of the trough 400. FIG. 12C provides across-sectional view of the trough 400, allowing a fuller view of apivoted plate 250′. The view is taken across line 12C-12C of FIG. 11. Itcan be seen that the upper edge 255 is inclined toward one side of thetrough 400. This causes the cradled pipe (not shown in FIG. 12C) to rollto the right. In FIG. 12C, the leading edge 255 is higher on the leftwing portion 254L than on the right wing portion 254R.

As noted, two pairs of lifting plates are preferably employed. Theleading edge of one pair will cause the pipe to roll to the left, whilethe leading edge of the other pair will cause the pipe to roll to theright. In this way, pipe 50 may be ejected to either side of the trestle200. Furthermore by operating both right and left lifting plates 250″,250″, a pipe 50 can be rolled across the trough 400 from one, pipe rackto another.

It is preferred that the pipe pick-up and laydown machine 100 becompletely hydraulically controlled. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the presence of electrical components near aworking drilling rig creates a risk of fire and explosions. Therefore, apurely hydraulic system is demonstrated herein.

In the hydraulically operated system 700, a large reservoir of oil isneeded. Further, a set of pilot lines and a set of fluid lines directedto the various hydraulically actuated cylinders are required. Inaddition, a pump, such as a diesel-powered, pressure compensated, pistonpump, is required. The pump provides pressure to feed oil into thevarious fluid lines and cylinders. Finally, valves are employed todirect fluid through the appropriate lines. These components of astandard hydraulic control system are not shown.

Separate circuits are utilized for the various hydraulic operations.These separate circuits are controlled through joysticks provided on anoperators panel 705. Preferably, the panel 705 is placed on the rigfloor 12 to be operated by drilling personnel.

For the present machine 100, a novel hydraulic circuitry 700 isimplemented. FIG. 13 provides an exemplary circuit diagram for thehydraulic system 700 of the pipe-handling machine 100. The hydraulicsystem 700 integrates three separate circuits. Those comprise a trestletransport mechanism circuit 710, a trough transport mechanism/pipetransfer circuit 720, and a trough carrier transport mechanism/pipeloading circuit 730. The three circuits are operated through the panel705.

It can be seen that a first dedicated circuit 710 is provided for thetrestle transport mechanism 210. This is a reference to the hydrauliccylinder 512 employed to lift the carriage 550. The carriage 550, inturn, lifts the forward end 202 of the trestle 200.

A second circuit 720 is provided for two alternative functions. Thefunctions are the trough transport mechanism 410 and the pipe transfermechanism 250. The trough transport mechanism 410 is a reference to themechanism 410 used to manipulate the trough 400. In the arrangementshown in FIG. 5C, this comprises cylinder 412C and telescoping section414C. The pipe transfer mechanism 250 is a reference to the plates 250′,250″ employed to eject a pipe 50 from the trough 400, and associatedhydraulic hardware, e.g., cylinders 262 and telescoping sections 264.

It should be appreciated that an operator would not employ the pipetransfer cylinders 262 while the trough 400 is being raised or extended.At the same time, the operator would not want to extend the trough 400while pipe 50 is being ejected by the pipe transfer system 250 on theground. Therefore, a lockout feature is designed into the hydrauliccircuitry 700.

To ensure that one of the mechanisms 410, 250 is locked out while theother is engaged, mechanical positioning valves 742, 744 are providedalong the ramp 500 proximate to the top 502 and bottom 504 ends,respectively. When the trestle 200 is on the catwalk 190, a lowerposition valve (shown schematically at 742 in FIG. 13) directs the flowof hydraulic power to the pipe transfer system 250. When the trestle 200is raised off the catwalk 190 and reaches the end of its travel at thetop of the ramp 500, it activates an upper position valve (shownschematically at 744 in FIG. 13). The upper valve directs the flow ofhydraulic power in the second circuit to the trough transport mechanism410. Thus, a safety feature is built into the hydraulic circuitry 700.

A similar safety arrangement is provided with a third circuit 730. Inthis respect, a third circuit 730 is provided that also serves twofunctions. The third circuit 730 alternatively provides hydraulic powerto the trough frame carrier transport mechanism 310 and to the pipeloading apparatus 600. The trough frame carrier transport mechanism 310is a reference to the trough carrier transport mechanism 310 used tomanipulate the trough carrier 300. This includes, in the arrangementshown in FIG. 5C, the cylinder 312C the brace 314C, and other featuresdescribed above. The pipe loading apparatus 600 is a reference to theloading arms 630 and the lifting arms 620, which work together to loadpipe 50′ from the pipe racks into the trough 400.

It should be appreciated that an operator would not employ the cylinders312 for the trough carrier transport mechanism while pipe 50 is beingloaded into the trough 400 at the catwalk 190. Reciprocally, theoperator would not want to operate the lifting arms 620 while thetrestle 200 and nested trough carrier 300 and trough 400 are raised.Therefore, these two circuits are also mutually exclusive. To ensurethis, the mechanical positioning valves 742, 744 also operate to directthe flow of hydraulic fluid to the proper systems 310 or 600. When thetrestle 200 is on the catwalk 190, the lower position valve directs theflow of hydraulic power in the third circuit 730 to the pipe loadingsystem 600. When the trestle 200 is raised off of the catwalk 190 andreaches the rig floor 12, the upper position valve 744 directs the flowof hydraulic power in the third circuit 730 to the trough frametransport mechanism 310. Thus, a safety feature is again built into thehydraulic circuitry 700.

The only time during normal operations (i.e. not test or emergency) whenthe carrier 300 and trough 400 may be extended and retracted is when theupper position valve 744 is reached. At all other times, their movementis prevented by hydraulic interlocks. While the trestle 200 is in theraised condition, the lifting arms 620 and the cylinders 262 forrotating the ejection plates 250′, 250″ remain hydraulically disabled inthe up position.

The three circuits 710, 720, 730 described above are controlled throughjoysticks or other levers on the panel 705. Separate joysticks areprovided for the three circuits 710, 720, 730. Pilot lines connect thepanel to fluid exchange valves. This means that a fluid exchange valveis provided for each of the three circuits 710, 720, 730, and is poweredby the pilot lines. The fluid exchange valves selectively direct oilfrom a high pressure oil supply. In a first position, oil is sentthrough a fluid line to actuate the corresponding telescoping sectionsoutward. In a second position, the fluid exchange valves are neutralsuch that no fluid flows through the fluid lines for the respectivesystem. And in the third position, the fluid exchange valves directfluid to retract the various telescoping sections of the respectivecylinders.

In the preferred arrangement, a separate, manually powered system isused to control other cylinders in the machine 100. For example, thestabilizer arms 610 are controlled directly at the pipe racks. Likewise,cylinder 528 is controlled directly for folding the ramp 500 over thetrestle 200. Hydraulic circuitry for these systems is not shown.However, based upon the present disclosure, implementation of thesesystems could be accomplished by one of skill in the art.

To raise a pipe joint within the trough 400 to the rig floor 12, theoperator moves the control valve joystick for the trestle transportmechanism circuit 710. Once the trestle 200 clears the upper divertervalve 744 at the top of the ramp 500, the operator may then operate thetrough carrier transport mechanism 310 and trough transport mechanism410, as needed, utilizing the joysticks for the second 720 and third 730circuits, respectively. After the elevator and pipe are clear above therig floor 12, the pick-up and laydown machine 100 operator retracts boththe carrier 300 and trough 400 within the trestle 200. The trestle 200is then lowered along the ramp 500 operating the trestle transportmechanism circuit 710. As the trestle 200 lowers to the catwalk 190, thelower fluid diverter valve 742 is released, hydraulically locking thecarrier 300 and trough 400 from any further motion until the trestle 200is again raised up to the rig floor 12.

As noted, removal of pipe 50 from the trough 400 is accomplished byactuating the cylinders 262 that cause the lifting plates 250′ or 250″to pivot. In one arrangement, enablement is provided not only by thelower position valve 742 actuated by placing the trestle 200 in itslower position, but also by requiring that the stabilizing arm 610 be inits down position. Both conditions may be required. FIG. 14 shows a moredetailed view of a hydraulic circuit as might be employed in thepipe-handling machine 100 of the present invention. Under this circuit,the pick-up and laydown machine 100 operator lowers the stabilizer arms210 using his joystick control. He then operates the ejection cylinders262 to eject the pipe 50 from the trough 400 to the lifting hands 626 inthe ready to load position. From there the pipe 50 may be removed.

A novel method for delivering and for removing a portable pick-up andlaydown machine 100 is also provided herein. The present machine 100 ishighly portable, being capable of being transported on a flat-bedtrailer. To perform the delivery and removal operations, the flat-bedtrailer is outfitted with a “fifth wheel.” A fifth wheel 180 comprises ashaft extending vertically above the bed of the trailer, and a nut orother fastening device which is received onto the shaft. The fasteningdevice is a large, radial body having a cutout around an approximate 20degree arc, thereby leaving an opening for receiving the shaft.

A winch 175 is further employed for rotating and moving the machine 100to and from the catwalk 190. The winch 175 may be an 8,000 pound ratedwinch capable of being moved to different locations around the trailer185. It is understood that trailers typically have slots disposed attwo-foot intervals around the perimeter of the bed for receivingfasteners and tools, such as a portable winch.

FIG. 15A is a top, schematic view of a machine 100 of the presentinvention, resting on a flatbed trailer 185 as might be pulled by atruck 182. The trailer 185 is positioned adjacent the catwalk 190 of adrilling rig 10. The trailer 185 with the machine 100 transportedthereon is positioned essentially normal to the catwalk 190.

FIG. 15B is a top, schematic view of the machine 100 of FIG. 15A. Inthis view, the machine 100 has been rotated to a position essentiallyparallel to the catwalk 190. To accomplish this, the fastening member(not shown) is loosened from the shaft 180 of a fifth-wheel arrangement.This releases the machine 100 from the fifth-wheel connection, whilestill allowing the machine 100 to pivot about the shaft 180. A wireline195 (or other winch line) is extended from the forward end of themachine 100, and wrapped around a fixed portion 192 of the V-Door ramp194. The wireline 195 is then pulled by the winch 175 so as to rotatethe machine 100. Arrow 197 demonstrates the direction of rotation of themachine 100.

FIG. 15C demonstrates the machine 100 having been moved into set-upposition. In this respect, the machine 100 has been released completelyfrom the fifth wheel connection. The wireline 195 has then been pulledfurther by the winch 175 so as to draw the machine 100 completely ontothe catwalk 190. Arrow 107′ demonstrates linear movement of the machine100 onto the catwalk 190.

FIG. 16A is a top, schematic view of the machine 100 of FIG. 15A. Themachine 100 has completed the pipe pick-up and laydown operations, andis now ready to be taken from the drilling site. This means that allcomponents of the machine 100, such as the ramp 500, are nested withinor upon the trestle 200. To remove the machine 100 from the catwalk 190,the winch 175 is moved to a side position on the trailer 185 in thelongitudinal plane of the machine 100. The wireline 195 is wound fromthe winch 175 and around a center point of the machine 100. The wireline195 is then taken up by the winch 175 so as to draw the machine 100 ontothe trailer 185.

FIG. 16B presents the machine 100 of FIG. 16A having been pulled ontothe trailer 185. The machine 100 is perpendicular to the trailer 185 andmust be rotated before it can be transported. Arrow 107′ again indicatesthe linear movement of the machine 100.

FIG. 16C is a top, schematic view of the machine 100 of FIG. 16B, withthe winchline 195 having been reconfigured. In this respect, thewinchline 195 is now tied to the forward end of the machine 100. Themachine 100 is engaged with the shaft 180 of the fifth wheel so as toform a pivot point on the trailer bed 185. The machine 100 can now berotated into proper orientation for transport on the flatbed trailer185.

In FIG. 16D, the machine 100 has been rotated by the winchline 195 so asto be property positioned on the trailer 185 for transport. Arrow 107indicates rotational movement of the machine 100.

While the foregoing is directed to some embodiments of the presentinvention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devisedwithout departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

1. A pipe-handling machine for manipulating joints of pipe at a rigsite, the pip-handling machine comprising: a first elongated frameconfigured to receive a joint of pipe, the first frame having a firstend and a second end; a ramp along which the first elongated framerides, the ramp being inclined in the direction of a wellbore operationplatform; means for extending the first elongated frame over thewellbore operation platform when the first end of the first frame isdelivered along the ramp to a position above the wellbore operationplatform; and means for selectively reducing the angle of approach ofthe first frame to the wellbore operation platform when the first end ofthe first frame is delivered along the ramp to a position above thewellbore operation platform.
 2. The pipe-handling machine of claim 1,wherein the means for extending the first elongated frame over thewellbore operation platform and the means for selectively reducing theangle of approach of the first frame are each hydraulically actuated. 3.The pipe-handling machine of claim 2, further comprising a secondelongated frame configured to receive the first elongated frame; andwherein the means for extending the first elongated frame over thewellbore operation platform comprises a hydraulic cylinder andassociated telescoping section for slidably extending the firstelongated frame out from the second elongated frame in the direction ofthe wellbore operation platform.
 4. The pipe-handling machine of claim2, further comprising a second elongated frame configured to receive thefirst elongated frame; and wherein the means for selectively reducingthe angle of approach of the first frame to the wellbore operationplatform comprises a hydraulic cylinder and associated telescopingsection for extending the second end of the first elongated frame abovethe second elongated frame.
 5. The pipe-handling machine of claim 4,wherein the means for extending the first elongated frame over thewellbore operation platform comprises a hydraulic cylinder andassociated telescoping section for slidably extending the firstelongated frame out from the second elongated frame in the direction ofthe wellbore operation platform.
 6. The pipe-handling machine of claim5, wherein the wellbore operation platform defines the floor of adrilling rig.
 7. The pipe-handling machine of claim 6: furthercomprising a third elongated frame configured to receive the secondelongated frame, the third frame having a first end and a second end; acarriage selectively movable along the length of the ramp; and whereinthe first end of the third frame is pivotally connected to the carriage.8. The pipe-handling machine of claim 7, wherein the ramp is comprisedof modular sections so as to have a length that is modified toaccommodate rig floors of varying heights.
 9. The pipe-handling machineof claim 7, further comprising a base structure having rails along whichthe second end of the third frame rides when the first end of the thirdframe is raised along the ramp.
 10. A pipe-handling machine formanipulating joints of pipe at a rig site, the pip-handling machinecomprising: an elongated trough having a first end, a second end, and anupper receiving surface, the upper surface being configured to receive ajoint of pipe; an elongated trough carrier, the trough carrier having afirst end, a second end, and an upper receiving surface, the uppersurface of the trough carrier being configured to receive the trough; anelongated trestle having a first end, a second end, and an upperreceiving surface, the upper surface of the trestle being configured toreceive the trough carrier; a carriage connectible to the first end ofthe trestle; an inclined ramp having a first end, a second end, and aguide system therebetween, the guide system slidably receiving thecarriage; and a trestle transport mechanism for transporting the firstend of the trestle from the first end of the inclined ramp to the secondend of the inclined ramp.
 11. The pipe-handling machine of claim 10:wherein the pipe-handling machine further comprises a base having afirst end, a second end, and a guide system therebetween, the guidesystem slidably receiving the trestle at the second end of the trestle;and wherein the first end of the inclined ramp is pivotally connected tothe base proximate the first end of the base.
 12. The pipe-handlingmachine of claim 11, wherein the trestle transport mechanism ishydraulically actuated.
 13. The pipe-handling machine of claim 12,further comprising a trough transport mechanism for slidably moving thetrough axially along the upper surface of the trough carrier.
 14. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 13, wherein the trough transportmechanism is hydraulically actuated.
 15. The pipe-handling machine ofclaim 14, further comprising a trough carrier transport mechanism formoving the trough carrier relative to the upper surface of the trestle.16. The pipe-handling machine of claim 15, wherein the trough transportmechanism is hydraulically actuated.
 17. The pipe-handling machine ofclaim 16, wherein the trough carrier transport mechanism moves thetrough carrier axially along the upper surface of the trestle.
 18. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 16, wherein the trough carrier transportmechanism causes the second end of the trough carrier to be liftedupwards above the upper surface of the trestle.
 19. The pipe-handlingmachine of claim 16, wherein the trough carrier transport mechanism bothmoves the trough carrier axially along the upper surface of the trestle,and causes the second end of the trough carrier to be lifted upwardsabove the upper surface of the trestle.
 20. The pipe-handling machine ofclaim 11, wherein the trestle further comprises an articulating leg, thearticulating leg having a first point pivotally connected to the trestleproximate to the second end of the trestle, and a second point thatrides within the guide system of the base; the guide system of the basefurther comprises a stop member intermediate the first and second endsof the base; whereby the second point of the articulating leg contactsthe stop member as the first end of the trestle is carried up theinclined ramp, thereby causing the second end of the trestle to beraised upward above the base.
 22. The pipe-handling machine of claim 11,wherein the inclined ramp is comprised of at least three modules forincreasing the length of the inclined ramp.
 23. The pipe-handlingmachine of claim 22, wherein the trestle transport mechanism comprises:a carriage; a hydraulic cylinder disposed along the inclined ramp, thehydraulic cylinder having at least one telescoping section; a sheavedisposed at the end of the at least one telescoping section of thehydraulic cylinder; and a chain connected to the carriage, the chainriding over the sheave as the carriage is moved from a point proximatethe first end of the inclined ramp to a point proximate the second endof the inclined ramp.
 24. The pipe-handling machine of claim 23, whereinthe chain is connected to the carriage by a chain connector, the chainconnector comprising: a bracket having an opening for receiving thechain; a fastening bolt movably connected to the bracket, the bolthaving a first end external to the bracket, and a second end within theopening for selectively engaging and releasing the chain.
 25. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 11, wherein the trestle further comprisesat least two first pipe-carrying arms for receiving a joint of pipe, thefirst pipe-carrying arms being disposed on a first side of the trestle.26. The pipe-handling machine of claim 25, wherein each of thepipe-carrying arms further comprises a hand for selectively receiving ajoint of pipe, and for releasing the joint of pipe into the uppersurface of the trough.
 27. The pipe-handling machine of claim 25,wherein the trestle further comprises at least one stabilizing arm onthe first side of the trestle.
 28. The pipe-handling machine of claim27, wherein the at least one stabilizing arm further comprises a hand,the hand having a bottom concave surface for engaging a joint of pipewhen the first pipe-carrying arms receive a joint of pipe.
 29. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 25, wherein the trestle further comprisesat least two second pipe-carrying arms for receiving a joint of pipe,the second pipe-carrying arms each being disposed on an a secondopposite side of the trestle.
 30. The pipe-handling machine of claim 20,wherein each of the at least two second pipe-carrying arms furthercomprises a hydraulically actuated hand for selectively receiving ajoint of pipe from the upper surface of the trough, and for releasingthe joint of pipe.
 31. The pipe-handling machine of claim 10, whereinthe trough further comprises at least two lifting plates within theupper concave surface of the trough, the at least two lifting platesbeing movable from a first retracted position to a second extendedposition, the lifting plates being configured to receive a joint of pipewhen in the retracted position, and to expel a joint of pipe to one sideof the pipe-handling machine when in the extended position.
 32. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 31, wherein the at least two liftingplates are hydraulically actuated.
 33. The pipe-handling machine ofclaim 10, wherein the trough further comprises at least four liftingplates within the upper concave surface of the trough, each of the atleast four lifting plates being movable from a first retracted positionto a second extended position, each of the at least four lifting platesbeing configured to receive a joint of pipe when in the retractedposition, at least two of the lifting plates being configured to expel ajoint of pipe to one side of the pipe-handling machine when in theextended position; and at least two of the lifting plates beingconfigured to expel a joint of pipe to a second opposite side of thepipe-handling machine when in the extended position.
 34. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 33, wherein the at least four liftingplates are hydraulically actuated.
 35. The pipe-handling machine ofclaim 11, wherein the pivoting connection between the inclined ramp andthe base is configured to permit the inclined ramp to be folded over thetrough.
 36. The pipe-handling machine of claim 10, wherein thepipe-handling machine is dimensioned to be received upon and transportedby a flat-bed trailer without necessity of a DOT permit.
 37. Apipe-handling machine for manipulating joints of pipe at a rig site, thepipe-handling machine comprising: a trough for receiving a joint ofpipe; a trough carrier for receiving the trough; a trestle for receivingthe trough carrier, the trestle having a first end and a second end; aramp having a lower end and an upper end, the ramp pivotally connectedto the first end of the trestle; a hydraulically operated trestletransport mechanism for transporting the first end of the trestlebetween the upper and lower ends of the ramp; a hydraulically operatedtrough transport mechanism for slidably moving the trough axially alongthe trough carrier; and a hydraulic control system.
 38. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 37, wherein: the trestle furthercomprises at least two pipe-carrying arms for receiving a joint of pipe,the pipe-carrying arms being disposed on an a side of the trestle; andthe pipe-carrying arm are actuated by the hydraulic system.
 39. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 37, wherein: the trough further comprisesat least two lifting plates, the at least two lifting plates beingmovable from a first retracted position to a second extended position,the lifting plates being configured to receive a joint of pipe when inthe retracted position, and to expel a joint of pipe to one side of thepipe-handling machine when in the extended position; and the at leasttwo lifting plates are actuated by the hydraulic system.
 40. Thepipe-handling machine of claim 37, wherein: the trough further comprisesat least four lifting plates within the upper concave surface of thetrough, each of the at least four lifting plates being movable from afirst retracted position to a second extended position, each of the atleast four lifting plates being configured to receive a joint of pipewhen in the retracted position, at least two of the lifting plates areconfigured to expel a joint of pipe to one side of the pipe-handlingmachine when in the extended position; at least two of the liftingplates are configured to expel a joint of pipe to a second opposite sideof the pipe-handling machine when in the extended position; and each ofthe at least four lifting plates is actuated by the hydraulic system.41. The pipe-handling machine of claim 39, further comprising a troughcarrier transport mechanism for moving the trough carrier relative tothe trestle.
 42. The pipe-handling machine of claim 41, wherein thehydraulic control system is configured such that: actuation of thetrough transport mechanism and the trough carrier transport mechanism islocked out when the first end of the trestle transport mechanism reachesa point along the ramp proximate to the lower end of the ramp; andactuation of the at least two lifting plates is locked out when thefirst end of the trestle transport mechanism reaches a point along theramp proximate to the upper end of the ramp.